Each year, communities gather outside to kick off the Christmas season at one of the many tree lighting festivals around Atlanta. Get the scoop on your local celebration.
Acworth
December 5
The illumination of the city Christmas tree in Downtown Acworth will be followed by Mayor Tommy Allegood's reading of "The Night Before Christmas". Local school and church groups will provide holiday entertainment.
Alpharetta
December 7
This annual celebration in Milton Square City Park will feature live music, dance performances, horse and buggy rides, carolers & reading of a Christmas classic with Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas. Santa & Mrs.Claus will arrive by fire truck for visits and photos in the gazebo. Festivities start at 5 p.m.
Atlanta at Macys Lenox Square
November 27
Join in Atlanta’s yearly tradition as The Great Tree is lit high atop Macy’s Lenox Square. This year’s event will feature singer/songwriter Jewel and Tony Award-winning Broadway star Heather Headley in a star-studded holiday kickoff.
Dunwoody
November 23
Light Up Dunwoody at The Farmhouse will feature a holiday parade at 4 p.m., entertainment and a North Pole playground at the Shops of Dunwoody, then hop on the trolley to the Farmhouse for an open house with local council members and the lighting of the tree at 6:30 p.m.
Flowery Branch
November 27
This celebration features a brass ensemble, prayer service and choir performance at 5:45 p.m. at the Flowery Branch Depot.
Kennesaw
December 4
Join Mayor Mark Mathews, members of the Kennesaw City Council and other City officials as they "flip the switch" to light the official Christmas tree of Kennesaw. The program will include free holiday choral music and sing-along, warm beverages, cookies and holiday cheer. The Depot, 2828 Cherokee St., Kennesaw at 7 p.m.
Lawrenceville
November 27
Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse with carriage rides and self-guided tours of the decorated courthouse. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m., with Santa arriving at 6:45 p.m. For more information, contact the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse at 770.822.5450.
Locust Grove
November 27
The Annual Lighting of the Locust Grove Christmas Tree will feature various talents. Santa will arrive and pictures are available free of charge.
Marietta Square
December 4
Glover Park hosts Santa, Mrs.Claus, and local holiday-lovers for the lighting of the towering town Christmas tree. The giant tree lights up at 6 p.m.
Norcross
December 5
Join in the fun at 7:00 in Thrasher Park for the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree and the arrival of Santa. There will be carols by the Hopewell Baptist Church Chorus, treats and free carriage rides.
